Our Story
Ten years ago, Garry, Nicole, and their son Jack moved to Tasmania from a mid-north coast country town of New South Wales, drawn by the temperate climate, pristine environment, historic properties, stunning architecture and unblemished beaches.
They also fell in love with Tasmania’s vibrant foodie scene and artisan culture. They have carefully curated the finest selections from local small businesses for their online store and a diverse range of unique gift hampers. Each item in their hampers is sourced directly from Tasmania, a fact they take great pride in. Sending one of their gourmet Tasmanian gift boxes is sure to delight anyone in Australia.
They are deeply committed to supporting fellow Tasmanian small businesses and are equally passionate about business ethics, sustainability and environmental responsibility; principles that are woven into every facet of their lifestyle and business.
Raised in Sydney, Nicole pursued a career as a Travel Consultant upon completing her education. This position afforded her numerous travel opportunities, which cultivated a deep-seated passion for exploration and a profound respect for various lifestyles and cultures.
Subsequently, she joined the NSW Police Force, serving for 13 years and attaining various positions of:
- Supervising Sergeant – in both rural country areas & busy, diverse Sydney stations,
- Team Leader – of shifts, operations, crime scenes etc.
- Peer Support Officer – supporting other Police & colleagues with any issues in a confidential manner.
- Field Training Officer – on-the-job training of less experienced Police Officers to perform their duties to a high standard.
- Regional Training Coordinator – being responsible for all ongoing Police training within 1 of 4 regions in NSW at the time &
- Child abuse and sexual assault investigations specialist – specialising in building rapport, supporting and taking statements from victims of sexual assault and child abuse for prosecution briefs & giving evidence in court.
Nicole left the Police Force suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This had a huge impact on her life.
Nicole has won numerous business awards, including NSW Awards of Business Woman of The Year, Excellence in Innovation, Excellence in Business Ethics & Customer Service Excellence.
Nicole also served as the President of the Board of AUSBUY (Australian Companies Institute), a national organization that champions a wide array of Australian-owned businesses, both small and large. It was an esteemed privilege and enriching experience for Nicole. Elected as President by her fellow board members she was surrounded by an all-male board who were not only highly experienced and respected businessmen from across Australia but also provided exceptional mentorship and support to her.
In 2014, Garry, Nicole & Jack Graham came to Tasmania for a holiday. They saw the St Andrews Church and Hall for sale. They stopped their car and called the agent. It was “love at first sight” so they put in an offer the next day, prior to flying home. The offer was accepted, and the purchasing process was underway.
They headed back to NSW where they sold their home and successful Mechanical Repair Business. A new phase of their life had begun…
However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Nicole was diagnosed with Breast Cancer soon after moving to Tasmania, so their development plans were ceased for 5 years whilst she received treatment.
With the home renovations complete, a quintessential white picket fence built and the grounds and gardens greatly improved by planting over 1,000 plants and trees, it became time for the next phase. It is a large and ongoing project. Gardens especially can’t be rushed as they await plants and trees maturing. It is now time to prepare The Church for its opening, so all can enjoy.
Nicole has also volunteered locally as Deputy Chairperson of the Northern Midlands Tourism Region and Tasmanian Tourism Ambassador.
Nicole acknowledges First Nations peoples and communities as the traditional owners of the land. She acknowledges and pays her respects to Elders past and present and emerging leaders.
She is committed to safe inclusive spaces, policies and services for people of LGBTIQ+ communities and their families.
Nicole’s Awards
NSW POLICE FORCE:
- Police Medal for Diligent & Ethical Service
- Commended for Excellent Police Work in Devotion & Dedication to Duty in the arrest of a known violent & active criminal whilst off duty.
- Recognised by Deputy Commissioner of Special Operations for Oustanding Integrity.
- Recognised with a Local Area Command Award.
- Certificate from Assistant Commissioner for Ethical Standards
- Selected to make a presentation to the Police Commissioner & Assistant Commissioners & Regional Commanders
- Selected to make a presentation on behalf of the NSW Police to the International Police Conference in Darwin NT.
- Director of NSW Blue Light Committee
- President of Blue Light Program
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BUSINESS AWARDS:
- FINALIST: Australian Small Business Champion Awards 2023
- SEMI-FINALIST: Community Achievement Awards Australia 2022
- Small Business Award
- FINALIST: Australian Small Business Champion Awards 2022
- Online Business Award
- Business Growth Award &
- Nicole Graham – Small Business Champion Entrepreneur
- FINALIST: Australian Small Business Champion Awards 2021
- FINALIST: Tasplan Business Excellence Awards 2021
- Excellence In Customer Service &
- Retail Excellence
- FINALIST: Greater Port Macquarie Business Awards 2015
- Medical, Healthcare & Fitness
- FINALIST: NSW Business Chamber State Awards
- Excellence In Innovation 2014.
- WINNER: NSW Business Chamber Regional Awards
- Excellence In Innovation 2014.
- FINALIST: NSW Business Chamber Regional Awards 2014
- Excellence In Business Ethics 2014
- Business Leader 2014
- WINNER: Greater Port Macquarie Business Awards 2014
- Excellent In Innovation 2014
- FINALIST: Greater Port Macquarie Business Awards 2014
- Medical, Healthcare & Fitness
- Excellence In Innovation
- Excellence In Business Ethics
- Woman In Business
- FINALIST: NSW Business Chamber Regional Awards 2013
- Business Leader–
- WINNER: Greater Port Macquarie Business Awards 2013
- Medical, Healthcare & Fitness
- WINNER: Greater Port Macquarie Business Awards 2013
- Woman In Business
- WINNER: HBWN Business Owner of The Year Award 2012
- WINNER: Commonwealth Bank Greater Port Macquarie Business Awards 2012
- Judges Commendation: Hastings Businesswomen’s Network Woman In Business Award 2012
- FINALIST: Wauchope Chamber of Commerce Awards 2012
- Excellence in Service
- WINNER: Customer Care Service Excellence Awards 2011
- Finalist: Commonwealth Bank Greater Port Macquarie Business Awards 2011
Australian Medals
Owners Garry and Nicole Graham are proud to have received Australian Medals, numerous Service awards, and many independently judged reputable Business Awards.
NICOLE:
- NSW Police Force Medal for Diligent & Ethical Service: Awarded to Nicole – “Awarded to sworn members of the New South Wales Police Force who have completed ten years of diligent and ethical service. The Medal is awarded after a detailed review of the nominee’s service history”.
- Commendation for Excellent Police Work in Devotion & Dedication to Duty: Awarded to Nicole for the arrest of a known violent & active criminal whilst off duty.
- Recognised by NSW Police Force Deputy Commissioner of Special Operations for Outstanding Integrity: Awarded to Nicole for her outstanding integrity.
GARRY:
- Australian National Medal for Service: Awarded to Garry – “The National Medal recognises long and diligent service, by members of recognised government and voluntary organisations, that risk their lives or safety to protect or assist the community in enforcement of the law or in times of emergency or natural disaster”.
- Fire & Rescue NSW Medal for Long Service & Good Conduct: Awarded to Garry – “The Fire and Rescue NSW Long Service and Good Conduct Medal recognises diligent long service and good conduct by members of Fire and Rescue NSW”.
![Nicoleandgary2 The Church](https://gourmetgiftstas.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Nicoleandgary2.jpg)
About Garry
Garry grew up in country NSW and enjoyed staying on his Grandparent’s dairy farm and later helping on his father’s cattle property.
Garry left school to take up an apprenticeship as a Motor Mechanic and worked at the local car dealership. After several years he purchased his own mechanical repair business, which was to go on to be independently judged by the Motor Traders Association as the “Mechanical Repair Business of The Year”, which was a great achievement as he was competing against major dealerships and workshops statewide throughout NSW.
Garry is also a qualified NSW TAFE Teacher where he taught for several years.
In his own business, he won several other business awards, including Customer Care Service Excellence. He sold this successful business to move to Tasmania. It still operates under new ownership and a new name.
Garry was also in the Fire & Rescue NSW for 17 years, where he obtained the rank of Deputy Captain. He has extensive experience in dealing with fires, rescues, motor vehicle accidents, roping, emergency management and the operation of a large range of fire & rescue equipment.
Due to his service in the Fire & Rescue NSW, Garry is the holder of the National Medal. The National Medal recognises long and diligent service, by members of recognised government and voluntary organisations, that risk their lives or safety to protect or assist the community in the enforcement of the law or in times of emergency or natural disaster.
Since moving to Campbell Town, Garry obtained several jobs including driving the local school bus, lifeguard at the Campbell Town pool and having his own property maintenance business. He then took up a position as a Field Service Technician with a large Tasmanian construction company and was then promoted to Quarry Supervisor.
Garry has also volunteered locally on the ANZAC committee, Pool committee, including cleaning the pool daily (during the swimming seasons) and maintaining the pool grounds for several years, and is a Life Member and previous Executive Committee Member for the Midlands Agricultural Association – Campbell Town Show.
![GARRY-GRAHAM-The-National-Medal-for-Service-003-980x980](https://gourmetgiftstas.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GARRY-GRAHAM-The-National-Medal-for-Service-003-980x980-1.jpg)
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About Jack
They also have a son Jack. Jack has been involved in their business projects from day one. Presenting his ideas and always being included as part of the team in the decision-making.
Jack earns money by working in the family business and helping out where he can.
Jack is an entrepreneur in his own right. He has his own registered business, “Krank It Up MTB,” which is all about Mountain Biking. His business will grow as he does. His business can be found on Facebook and Instagram, with more coming soon…
Jack has also been recognised as a Semi-Finalist in the “Tasmanian Young Achiever Awards“. A fine young man.
Krank It Up MTB: A Small Brand with Big Dreams
Founded in 2023 by 14-year-old mountain biking enthusiast Jack Graham from Tasmania, Krank It Up MTB embodies the mountain biking lifestyle. Jack’s passion for the sport shines through in every aspect of the brand, from thrilling race updates and action-packed videos to stunning photos and mountain biking merchandise. Krank It Up MTB isn’t just about riding; it’s about community and style. Whether you’re gearing up for a race or just showing your love for the sport, our content and gear are designed to connect and inspire riders everywhere. Join the Krank It Up MTB journey!
![Krankitupmtb.com Mountain bike merch jerseys (7) Krankitupmtb.com Mountain bike merch jerseys (7)](https://gourmetgiftstas.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Krankitupmtb.com-Mountain-bike-merch-jerseys-7.png)